Celebrated wood sculptor to carve out The Beatles this summer

An award-winning wood sculptor will turn tree trunks into life-size statues of The Beatles on Liverpool’s waterfront this summer.

Waterloo-born Simon O’Rourke will head to the city’s Pier Head Village to take on the ambitious task of creating the four legendary band members.

The ‘Fab Four’ will be carved out over four Sundays by Simon, who has been internationally celebrated for previous works including ‘Angels’ and the ‘Dark Knight’.

Paul McCartney will be the first of the musicians to be created in wood at midday on 6 August, followed by George Harrison on 13 August, Ringo Starr on 27 August and John Lennon on 28 August.

John, Paul, George and Ringo will be created from tree trunks.

Each sculpture is expected to take six to seven hours and, once completed, they will be auctioned off at the British Music Experience in September.

Funds raised from the statues at the auction, which will be hosted by the History Channel’s ‘UK Pawn Stars’ team, will go to the Pier Head Village’s chosen charity Variety, which helps disadvantaged sick and disabled children across the UK.

Ahead of the carving events, which are free to attend and will also feature Beatles hits and surprise special guests, Simon says: “I have never carved The Beatles before so coming down to Pier Head Village and working in front of a crowd that idolises the band is a daunting but hugely exciting challenge and one I’m confident of delivering.

“My work has ranged from small figurines to six and seven foot tall statues in the past, but I’ve never done anything of this kind before! I am really excited to see the final product when the Fab Four are all revealed side by side on Bank Holiday Monday and I just can’t wait to get going now.

“I will be bringing plenty of pictures of The Beatles down to the Pier Head with me so I get each member down to a tee, and of course there is added pressure as my work will take place right next to the iconic statues of the Fab Four!”